Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 95%
Simulated
A nurse is monitoring a client who received naloxone to counteract the effects of an opioid overdose. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the medication is effective?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
Correct Answer: A: Increased respiratory rate
Rationale: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that reverses the effects of opioids, including respiratory depression. Therefore, an increased respiratory rate indicates that naloxone is effectively reversing the opioid overdose by restoring normal breathing patterns. Monitoring the respiratory rate is crucial in assessing the effectiveness of naloxone and ensuring the client's safety.
Incorrect Choices:
B: Report of decreased pain - Naloxone does not directly affect pain perception.
C: Increased temperature - Naloxone does not typically cause changes in body temperature.
D: Decreased blood pressure - Naloxone may cause a transient increase in blood pressure due to its effects on the sympathetic nervous system, but this is not the primary indicator of its effectiveness.
Rationale: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that reverses the effects of opioids, including respiratory depression. Therefore, an increased respiratory rate indicates that naloxone is effectively reversing the opioid overdose by restoring normal breathing patterns. Monitoring the respiratory rate is crucial in assessing the effectiveness of naloxone and ensuring the client's safety.
Incorrect Choices:
B: Report of decreased pain - Naloxone does not directly affect pain perception.
C: Increased temperature - Naloxone does not typically cause changes in body temperature.
D: Decreased blood pressure - Naloxone may cause a transient increase in blood pressure due to its effects on the sympathetic nervous system, but this is not the primary indicator of its effectiveness.